beemerchef
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Posts posted by beemerchef
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Hi Dave! I have a great HDR software... it is the free one and has a little tiny mark on the bottom left corner that I always crop... It is a tough one... I have had the best results by using HDR but leaving the curves except the skies pretty much as is... There is much debate on it... as there is for Photoshop! I did not like when this Pro told me that there are no more Photgraphers left but only Software Artists!!! It is also very time consuming. I have one blog, in Oregon where all the pictures are HDR... will try to find which one and post the link. And then again... I like to document my Journey... sometimes the picture conditions are just not right... but yet, I like to post it... There has been days when I only take pictures in the morning and evening golden hour... but not enough! On another note... we might be leaving Utah for Colorado... will know in a few hours... long story!!!... and then again maybe go and nstall ourselves in Escalante for a month before Colorado... call me... Jell-O... that's OK!!! Hope you like the pictures on this newly posted Blog! It was amazing...
More of Page and the Lower Canyon, AZ
You will probably now, with more pictures decide to visit this Lower canyon while in the Page area! I will probably again some day, it has to be the most unique experience I have ever had… right up there with anything else seen these past couple years.
I will know most likely later on the day, as we are moving on tomorrow, which way we will be headed… The little town of Boulder, Utah or start Colorado from south to north… Either way trying to find cooler weather for our outdoor activities. Spirit just does not do very well with the heat.
If it is Colorado we will just have to come back again later on as there are so many more roads and sights to experience…
I posted about 20 more pictures of the Canyon… the last of them besides the Gallery I will build up soon.
Be well… always…
Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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Page, AZ… the lower Canyon
All I could say while visiting both upper and lower Antelope Slot Canyon was “phenomenal”… as truly I was left speechless by the wonders that Mother Nature truly outdoing herself on this both occasions.
A bit of a rough ride due to some heavy winds going in, sailing with ease coming up… one makes up for the extra fuel used the other way! I guess!
Page is a busy town… a Super Center Walmart probably says it all!
The weather was perfect and still is, will stay as is all summer? The area might then be called Paradise.
Many pictures of the Canyons, so many that I will eventually create a SmuMug Gallery for them soon!
Enjoy… and as always, be well.
Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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Is it winter… again?
33 degrees a few miles up the road, dark clouds and much rain yesterday… but it looks like all will change tomorrow when we head out soon (I like to use that word!… no time frame…) to the “Antelope Slot Canyon” in Page, by Lake Powell. We are looking forward to it… Spirit will stay behind for a couple hours under the watchful eyes of the Lady that books the Tours as no one is allowed in without a guide, and Dogs cannot join us… again! Not my favorite way to go… but I think it will be worth it…
I am still lost within the images of Monument Valley! Hard to get tired of it when they project such a constant change of shadows throughout the day starting with sunrise, specially when no one is around but us…
The rest of the images are here…
Be well… always… Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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Hi Alex!!! I see you are in Memphis... you can go in the Archives and check out our visit there!!!... Had to... had to see Elvis's house... what a shame we did not meet there... I am sure you could have directed us to some good BBQ!...we missed out on that channel...
This Journey is as another phase of my Life... I lived on a sailboat for 28 years! Never wrote about it, mainly in Marinas but sailing weekly also and often months at the time, funny as no pictures either! What was I thinking?... just the Sea and I... at the time "Tascha" was with me... "Lady Tascha" she was called... a gentle water loving black Lab!!! But that was then, today is "now"... We will be on the road for quite a while... at times recharging the finances as right now (I hope getting paid!!!) by working 2 to 3 days a week in an area such as this which still gives us throughout this nice weather (33 today... hummm) the ability to roam within a circle of a 400 mile diameter... and maybe as you know, it will take weeks to explore it all!... Then time to move on... and confront higher fuel prices!!!... It has put a damper a bit... I always thought how great it would be to have a get together with people like you!... Maybe some day... There are a couple projects in the work!!!
Thansk for writing... and be well. Ara & Spirit
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So more camping at Monument Valley! Utah…
This was camping with photography in mind… the dirt road loop also I have to say is always kind of challenging trying to always figure out a better line and explore the possibilities of the rig’s handling! Nice also to meet many foreigners taking advantage of the Euro exchange and listen to their own perspective about traveling and visiting this Country. Only one complain… same as mine… the food situation! But look at where we are! Food Distributors don’t even want to deliver their ingredients this far… time… and fuel costs! So… keep on cooking!
The heat in the air is being really felt this morning and the “no-see-ums”, I think same as “gnats” (?) are out in full force… I thought we left them behind in Florida… but wrong! I even tried “dryer sheets” to keep them away… not much is working… Colorado Mountains are sounding more and more appealing!!!
Till next time… enjoy the pictures… maybe the writing too!
Be well Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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Camping at Monument Valley, Utah
Those longs days are tiresome sometimes when trying to catch sunsets and sunrises back to back! Even Spirit in still darkness, in the am his eyes half closed seems to be complaining!
It was just some place visited before but never camped in… Monument Valley.
We took our time getting there and also a small detour in Oljato to check out the Trading Post, an original built in 1921.
On to the park we had first row seats ahead of everyone with the same idea! What I thought would be a non sense turned into fun while chatting with the many foreigners present, taking advantage of their beneficial Euro exchange….
There will be a couple chapters of this outing… too many pictures and too much going on!
Be well… always…
Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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That is my compromise on the road with Spirit, which I gladly accept... But just this once I will find a way to do it... I just don't want the 3 hr tour... they do allow camping also... I would like to meet a family down there, have dinner with them... I have written about the "long walk" in 1863 on today's Blog... very sad... I truly care for these people... We will be in Bluff a bit... so many projects!!!...
Another day by the Canyons, Utah
The riding was awesome stopping at all the overlooks, Spirit was in his glory as usual being outdoor and wind in his face… proudly sitting with his head up as a sidecar owner… (he is!!!). There were so many more roads we yet have not done due to lack of time as Art and I parted after some great company. Him going west… us going east. Now that we are familiar with the area of the Canyon de Chelly, we will plan again to ride beyond it some passes we were told are just magnificent and twisted!
We are back in Bluff for a couple of days, changing brake pads and trying to figure out why there is a couple of drops of oil sipping from under the front cover… I need to be in that “mood” to do mechanical work… I think today is it!
More pictures on the Blog… as always.
Be well.
Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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I’m with you friend. Now you are hooked on the stories the road tells. Only a very few can truly see what is there. I hope the heat of summer doesn’t drive you out too soon.
I have never been to Bluff, but I can see in my mind’s eye the Hole-in-the-Wall wagons struggling to cross Combs Ridge. I have wondered whether their path was along the old road that Hopkins took, or whether they went across closer to the river.
You may get interested in the old roads on maps. You may be aware of the Plat maps done in the late 1800’s through the mid 1930’s (and later). They can be quite interesting if you want to “discover” older sites and roads or trails. In any event, try the link below to get to those for Utah.
http://www.ut.blm.gov/LandRecords/surveys_ut.cfm
When you get there, the Bluff area is at
Township 40 S, Range 21 E on the SLM.
You can work from there to others areas you recognize.
Have fun!
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
How strange that yesterday coming back from the Canyon de Chelly we met this man name Wynn that has written over books on this area! He was a bit in a hurry but gave me his phone number as I asked him about Hopkins route... he said he will put me in touch with many people that are aware of it and more! Nice fellow... long grey hair... fitted right in the area... I will get in touch with him soon! The plot is thickening...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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Canyon the Chelly, Utah
Pronounced “sha-e”, I stood corrected. A nice ride into Arizona exploring the cliffs of this Canyon I had never heard of till a few days ago. Beautiful and breathtaking, uncrowded on Navajo Land as they also live in the Valley with much farming utilizing the rich soil available.
For the first time we were not alone, joined by Art, a reader and rider from New York City, New York… curious of our Lifestyle. Quite a step for him to pack up and go as it seems that his own Journey has turned into Jell-O abandoning all the plans he had drawn on his map and just following his nose.
It is never the “destination” truly, but the Journey. A bit of cooking, many pictures and ourselves will go back again to ride some of the roads we did not have a chance to touch yet.
Enjoy the Canyon, I hope you get to visit it some day soon…
Be well… Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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Maybe "this" does not belong here... but I will write anyhow.
Aproaching 60 I have traveled a lot, being raised in Europe, Middle East (pre-war) and Africa were no strangers to me. I was fortunate to take 6 months off every year being in a seasonal town and never really paying much importance to the mighty $... living for NOW has always been my goal and still is when I do not get ahead of myself... And I have obviously since riding at the age of 10 enjoyed "roads"... and mores roads... But this thread has 'woken up' something new in me... just as Photography has taken over the riding these past two years homeless on the road, the bike and sidecar becoming mainly a tool... for the camera. (don't take me wrong... there is an immense pleasure left in riding!!!). But what has sparked, and this is hard to explain... is the "core" of the road itself... the point A to point B... not only its physical presence but its "mind" and others that as last summer doing much of the Pionner Trail have maybe struggled on it in time when as the "Mokey Dugway" was built by hand to get to Salt Lake City! So I feel very fortunate to have found this Forum...
It is adding another dimension to our Journey and my quest for some unanswered questions regarding certain aspects of Life...
Sorry to ramble on...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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Be confident I “don’t mind” if you and Sprint enjoy, explore, discover, rejoice, and savor the Hopkins material and route. I’m confident you will share it here…and that is the pay back. Anyway, I don’t have the time left to do all the places I would like to, so the more people I encourage out on the scout,, the more eyes and ears I have. Besides, we are in this for the joy of the trip…not to keep it on a shelf for another day that may never come.
I may have left a page out of the article. Did I include the notation where Dolph carved the Monumental Highway name into the rocks? That is my idea of the holy grail…if it could be located. That would be fantastic, so when you read the pages, if that story, and the location isn’t there, tell me and I’ll pass it on.
I did find out today from one of Utah’s top old road pros that he is aware of the story and would like to do the trip one day. Maybe you guys will connect and share insights and resources. I have encouraged him to look at the forum….so lets see what happens.
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
Thanks Dave!
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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Ah, a beer after my own heart...nothing quite as sweet as a pale ale. Have you ever tried Old Peculiar? Really. It is brewed in the North of England. I’m not sure it is imported anymore, but it was my favorite. My wife started calling me that after I became attached.
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
Hate when that happens! Hit the wrong key!!! Lets start over... Obviously I have found the thread and having been here a couple months now have done some of those roads! Would be cool to redo the same one however... I have barely glanced at what is above yet, I guess some of my excitement is making me write this first! I would like to also match the photos with "now" photos... All this sounds like a great project! Last night again I rode the loop through "The Valley of the Gods" where we camped before the storms a couple days ago... don't laugh... I was looking for my keys!!! I am beyond using the term "needle in a haystack"!!! No luck of course... none in Mexican Hat either...
Well, "Keep the Show on the Road", Dave, are you coming around here?... I know as you wrote you do not mind Spirit and I trying this... but you have been the one with the idea... of course... my God! it is all for fun...
OK... SmugMug is down... no photos right now!!!
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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I recognize Butler Wash, but you must mean connecting roads would go all the way to 70…assuming 70 used here is the interstate and not your speed!
The shot on a three wheeler is here.
http://library.usu.edu/Specol/photoarchive...3191-10-01.html
You will recognize some of his other photo sites.
My knowledge of the area is an inch deep and only a couple of inches wide…but the Hopkins Monumental Highway trail blazing of 1917 would be a kick to retrace today. The turn by turn directions he included seem pretty easy to follow.
The “original” Mexican Hat was just east/northeast the stone of the same name, and on the river. It was also an early auto camp site, as I recall. The old topos from the teens show it, but I suspect it has disappeared from natural causes.
I suppose the original Mormon wagon party that settled Bluff after their terrible experiences at Hole-in-the-Rock struggled south along Comb Wash and over the ridge, crossing Butler Wash in the process. That was quite a story in and of itself! Have you had the opportunity to track that at all??
Enjoy Butler Wash!
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
You are blowing me away with those pictures now!!! There is even Twin Rocks where now the restaurant is on... OK... I'll get back... I will be up all night trying to piece them together!... I am on a mission now!... Thanks!!! be well... Ara & Spirit
PS: and yes on the Mormons, did a Blog on their only cabin remaining just a few feet from here. It looks like those pictures are not protected. I am going to try to do "before" and "later" on most of those!!!
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I’m thinking the “Valley of the Gods” must be the “Olympian Gardens” of the 1917 Monumental Highway expedition I mentioned to you a month or so ago.
Hopkins used a three wheel motor cycle as well on some of his visits to that area, and there is at least one photo of him on it in Utah archives. But on the 1917 expedition he was driving with Dolph Andrus of Bluff, in a Maxwell. As I recall they came in via Moab, then south through the area you have been in, and south to Tuba City, and west via Marble Canyon (Lees Ferry) and Pipe Springs.
The old road between Bluff and the turn off to the Valley of the Gods is still quite visible, and could be followed for some distance. Did you by chance follow any of the Hopkins route....or is that “old history stuff” even of interest? I have wondered if there is anything left at the original site of the Mexican Hat village, a few miles upstream from the modern site where the bridge is.
Looks like your weather should be cool and maybe even a little wet until Memorial Day.
Cheers!
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
Wow... I need to do some serious research on that!... I just got back a few minutes ago from the Valley of the Gods loop!!! Funny... what luxury right now as it is only 25 miles away... "so what did you do tonight?... Oh!... Valley of the Gods!"... It is such a perfect gravel road for the rig and just right to use all three brakes in succession!
Mexican Hat?... yes, motels... the $30 Steak house and a band was playing!!! Will write more about it... Have to find those roads as I still want to also do Butler Wash which will go all the way to 70. Wet right now... back to the electric heated gear tonight!
Later and be well... Ara & Spirit
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The question had never fully formed but I guess I was thinking it 'cause I did enjoy learning what the serious camper carries. I recognized a name or two but had never heard of Big Agnes sleeping bags. I had to scout them out. I'm not in the market for a bag but if I was, a company that you recommend AND makes a "Horse Thief" model would certainly get heavy consideration.
The nice thing about Big Agnes is that for one their core pad design is very comfortable! They have found the magic for it... + the sleeping bag itself is only half of one... the pad I have is a 0 degree pad... why would you need to have sleeping bag under you?... which means only takes up 1/2 the room. My bag is a 20 degree bag. Even better is the fact that the pad "slips" in a like "envelope" in the bag so you never roll over! Of course they do stand behind their product... OK... maybe now they can sponsor me!!! You have no idea how much of a beating the gear takes day in and say out... Eventually fabric like the soft pannier, straps, even sprayed with UV coat will fade and become brittle... that is about 365 days a year, I would say 5 to 7 years... I cannot ask for more!!! Every bag by the way, tent included, goes in another waterproof bag! The EXPED bags... opening reversed... never had anything get wet yet...
Anyhow... be well... see you on the road!... dry!!!
Ara & Spirit
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Some great Camping, Utah
Camping is always great in Utah… specially when my favorite spot is unoccupied… A bit short lived because of bad weather today, but we got a great taste of it. You can never go wrong camping in “The Valley of the Gods”.
Full sun, sunsets, sunrise and just about full moon, it was a perfect time. The heat around this area is the only factor that worries me, specially with Spirit, even with always a full bowl of water in front of him and some shade, panting non stop. We definitely spend much more time throughout the year in cold weather versus hot.
So we are back… things will clear up and we can take off again!!!
I have had quite a few readers ask me about our camping gear… so there it is today, on the Blog.
Enjoy and be well…
Ara & Spirit
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I guess it is saying I cannot use an image any more?... Bummer... I'll try again...
A strong Potash connection! Utah
A frayed clutch cable changed with a smile thanks to some past strong tutorials from Master BMW mechanics who knew that the knowledge of being quite self sufficient would come in handy, as it did. A couple tires changed by a Harley mechanic right along some stories of celebrities he had shared moments with. Another ride on Potash Rd, which with time and traffic has changed to a rougher one exposing itself with its flowers blooming and hues of red constantly changing throughout the moments… The sudden attraction of the Potash and salt mine with its blue dyed waters establishing such a contrast with the landscape… Spirit making it’s home wherever we stop and doing his own exploring… meeting a man named Mike who himself has just rescued another abused dog, an image of Spirit 3 years ago… This is just another day in our Life on the road. Never a dull moment, there is no boredom when one slows down and allows the events to take shape throughout one’s senses. All in the Blog.
Always be well… Ara & Spirit
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Blu Mtn Fastivel, Monticello, Utah…
A good time is always what you make of it. When we arrived to the Festival after a change of plan as usual, the organizers where really disturbed at the amount of the “no shows” within the vendors… blaming it on fuel prices. $4.29 today by the way in Monticello. My friend Pete was also there and was leaving as we arrived… as, this was not worth even coming too… he said.
We had a great time, we got lost a couple times trying to find the field, we got permission to go back to this old property we had found with “no trespassing” signs… It was just a great day on that front. Missing Family on another front took an impact later on but Spirit and I together we are learning to deal with it… Riding helps… he does too… you do too… it is all good.
Till next time…
Be well…
Ara & Spirit
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Near Needles, Utah that is…
Great campsite and always much to see and experience! Today we are going to a Festival! Just found out from a reader a couple minutes ago… The Blue Hollow Festival near Monticello… have to talk to Spirit about it!
We have been here a couple days I think and doing not much… great sunsets… a cold snap… some good wind filled with sand to clean my teeth… just mellowing out and taking it all in.
Spend one night on the same site with some friends, a good dinner, some good laughs… I have to say that the company was great… A little ride into Needles… it has been all good.
I am starting to read about others coming to this area… I have the feeling we will meet more friends very soon… It “IS” that time of the year…
Check it all out on the Blog…
Be well, always… Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog
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La Sal Mountain loop, Utah…
I am writing this from Lockhart Pass, Needles area (Lat 38 10 / Long 109 40)… just in case you are in the neighborhood! Away from the campground, not too far from the road where I have already seen a few two wheelers go on probably to do the loop toward Hurray Pass…
But couple days ago we did the “La Sal Mountain loop” and one should not miss the incredible scenery, the fresh air and the nice curvy roads with still a bit of snow on the shoulders, enough to make a snowman for Spirit… or maybe it was a snowwoman?
Met up with many riders coming through Moab including a group of old Indians from Holland! What a Hub it is…
Will be here a while… off the grid.
Enjoy the Blog… come and visit, plenty of room here!
Be well, Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
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Alex,
Good one!!! She must have gotten around....I think I remember her too!
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
You guys are funny... while laughing here grinding my teeth in sand waitng for this wind to die down!!!
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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Needles and back, Utah…
I started wondering if we will ever leave Utah!!! Tomorrow we are actually moving to the Needles area. Some friends have a great site and are moving… we are going to replace them! Maybe spend one night side by side… company will be nice.
The sights are endless, every step of the way is a rock, a formation so different from each other and I love rocks! I keep imagining how their shapes over those billions of years have changed to the present. It makes me feel so minuscule!
The scenery itself is changing. We rode the Colorado River yesterday and it was like a new ride… all has become green and actually we are going back today as the sun sets to take some pictures of the glistening waters…
The weather? THIS is the time to come and visit… T Shirt and Gear Jacket… that is all!
Today’s Blog is the rest of Needles first visit and some odd Artifacts from “The Hole in the Wall”…
Be well… Ara & Spirit
Throw the Dog a Bone… Spirited T shirts… Mouse Pads… Photography…
www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog
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That's quite a rock! Wouldn't want to take that curve too fast driving a semi -- you could bash the side of the trailer into that rock!
I was thinking the same thing! And there is a gig semi that goes to the Ourpost of Needles, the food delivery truck, I saw it! SYSCO... Very cool road, posting more pictures on the Blog in a few minutes...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
Lifelong Journey On The Road...
in Motorcycles
Posted
Well, it has been decided that we are going to Escalante (UT)! We will be there sunday after Cortez for a tire!... I just cannot leave Utah yet... and things here in Bluff... well... I will write about it soon...
Photography can get so complex in the mind!... and I don't like software... and then again... even non artistic photos for documention need it sometimes... Let me know if ever you want to do some roads here! I am a real pain to travel with... I get into a space of my own and might stop every 200 feet for a picture... But, as a team project that would be fun complemented with the old stories and the present ones... Say HI to Bo!... Spirit being 4 now, I think he would just tell him to "calm down"!!!
Be well Dave... Ara & Spirit